Purposeful writing flourishes when rooted in real-world contexts. That is exactly what the new Environmental PLUS+ units in Ready Steady Write offer. Designed for EYFS, KS1 and KS2, these additions help children understand and write about the world around them, embedding key writing skills while developing environmental awareness.

At Literacy Counts, we know that writing improves when children are emotionally connected to a subject. These new units build that connection by encouraging children to explore their role as global citizens. The writing outcomes are meaningful, relevant and impactful. They equip children with the skills to write with purpose, clarity and conviction.

We spoke to Jane and Lizzie, the two experienced writers behind these new units, to explore what inspired them and how the units help children write with meaning.

Why the Environment?

"This is a key priority for future generations and something children feel genuinely passionate about," Jane and Lizzie shared. "We felt it was a powerful opportunity to raise awareness through literacy. When children write about it, they think about it more deeply. It's also about inspiring them to develop a sense of responsibility and awareness – writing helps deepen that engagement."

Why This Matters

Teaching environmental responsibility through writing empowers children to become thoughtful citizens. These units show that even the youngest voices can be powerful agents of change.

Powerful Texts to Spark Passion

These carefully selected texts offer rich language, powerful themes and relatable characters. Each has been chosen not just for its environmental message but for its ability to inspire purposeful discussion and imaginative thinking.

"We reviewed a wide range of texts, working with local book suppliers to ensure we selected the best possible books for each age group," Lizzie explained. "As always with Ready Steady Write, the books are packed with rich vocabulary, have identifiable characters and convey important messages. Writers loved them and we know teachers and children will too."

“Every book, every word – carefully chosen to inspire young writers.” – Lizzie

Curriculum Dates to Consider

These units are ideal for enriching your curriculum during:

World Environment Day (5th June 2025)

Great Big Green Week (7th – 15th June 2025)

Recycle Week (22nd – 28th September 2025)

National Tree Week (November 2nd – December 1st)

Earth Day (22nd April 2026)

These units are available now to all Ready Steady Write member schools. Just log in and look for the ‘NEW’ sticker.

Writing Outcomes and Opportunities

From descriptive setting contrasts to environmental poetry, children will produce a wide range of purposeful writing. There are exciting opportunities to explore additional genres such as diary entries and letters, helping children apply their skills independently and meaningfully. Each unit offers:

Decodable writing opportunities aligned with phonics programmes

Drama and oracy activities including hot seating, freeze frames and Role on the Wall

Story Songs in EYFS and Story Pictures in Year 1 for oral rehearsal

"The drama is now more of a focus," said Lizzie. "There's more teacher modelling, giving children greater opportunities to talk about their writing. For a child to write something, they need to be able to articulate it first."

What Teachers and Leaders Will Love:

Familiar settings and characters for EYFS and KS1

A hopeful approach to environmental issues

Ready-to-use writing resources that maintain high standards while significantly reducing teacher workload

EYFS and KS1: Familiar but Powerful

Jane has carefully shaped the EYFS and Year 1 units to connect with children's everyday surroundings. "These units support the Early Learning Goal 'Understanding the World'. The settings and characters are familiar, which means the message lands. The Enabling Environment document ensures that links are made to Development Matters with ideas to support children in continuous provision.”

Jane added, "We’ve included characters children will become invested in and settings they recognise. This helps build knowledge of the world and supports the development of confident, enthusiastic writers."

And teachers, beware! Jane laughed, "You’ll be going home singing Mr Hoot’s Story Song – it is so catchy, and the children won’t even realise they are using rich vocabulary."

KS2: Thinking Deeply and Writing Meaningfully

For Lizzie, it was vital that older children were not left feeling overwhelmed by environmental issues. "These are stories of hope and participation. Many of the units invite children to reflect on environments that matter to them – places they know and love. This makes the writing more personal and powerful."

"It helps them realise the impact of current behaviours and encourages them to think critically and creatively. These are not just lessons about writing – they are about understanding and responsibility."

One Year 4 lesson stood out to Lizzie: "It is about improving your own school environment – I could see myself teaching it tomorrow."

Built for Impact – From Classroom to Leadership

These new units are not only rich in classroom value – Ready Steady Write supports strategic school improvement. For leaders, it offers consistency across year groups, clear progression of skills and meaningful learning rooted in curriculum intent. Schools can confidently deliver high-quality writing lessons while aligning with strategic goals.

"This is what Ready Steady Write is all about," said Lizzie. "Rich vocabulary. Thought-provoking illustrations. Carefully sequenced grammar and sentence accuracy. Every element – from the texts to incidental writes – is designed with purpose."

Ready Steady Write PLUS+ is included free in every membership, and we are always adding new content. If your school is already a member, these units are available now – no extra cost, just high-quality curriculum content.

Already a Ready Steady Write school? We would love to hear how your class explores these new units.

Not yet part of Ready Steady Write? Find out why over 122,000 teachers and children in the UK and worldwide use our award-winning programme to transform writing outcomes.

Start your journey today: Visit the Ready Steady Write page.

Want to speak to an expert? Book a free 1:1 literacy consultation to explore how Ready Steady Write can raise standards in your school.

Ready Steady Write: Leading the sector in UK primary writing schemes for EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

Research-informed. School-improvement driven. Impact-proven.